http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/departed.html

"'The Departed' easily ranks among best transfers I've seen on either format, hands down."

I agree....just watched it for the first time and loved the film and the p/q. Can't wait to show it off this weekend!

Interesting to see the comparison between the PCM and the Dolby TrueHD tracks. PCM got the slightest edge in a blind test. I'll be picking this disc up today.

PCM > TrueHD :p

Good if the PQ was bad, I dont know what I would have done. One of my favorite movies of all time. Now if only Amazon would ship it.

Yes, I was VERY happy to hear that PCM got the nod in a blind test against TrueHD. Just goes to confirm my beliefs that EVERY BD should include a PCM track

Yes, I was VERY happy to hear that PCM got the nod in a blind test against TrueHD. Just goes to confirm my beliefs that EVERY BD should include a PCM track

Yep, just give us PCM tracks!

But.. but... but. They're bit for bit identical!!!! lol!!!

Yes, I was VERY happy to hear that PCM got the nod in a blind test against TrueHD. Just goes to confirm my beliefs that EVERY BD should include a PCM track

Even though they are both supposed to be bit-for-bit identical streams, perhaps there is something along the encoding process that reduces the fidelity of the TrueHD's track by a few decibels, creating the impression that PCM is more "clearer", when it simply may be the case of the PCM track being just afew decibels louder.

At any rate, both versions are top notch discs of a top notch movie (even though I deplore combo discs). Buy any version you like without any hesitation, and just enjoy this masterpiece :) .

Peter failed to tell us the bit-depth of the PCM track. The first person here to tell me whether it's 16- or 24-bit gets an e-cookie. :)

Even though TrueHD is a lossless codec, I wouldn't be surprised if the TrueHD encoders were set to do some processing by default.

Just like Blu-ray learned with the Sammy, noise reduction isn't always a good thing.

Sounds like for all intents and purposes, the two are a wash. Of course, the Blu-ray version is 5 bucks cheaper.

Sounds like for all intents and purposes, the two are a wash. Of course, the Blu-ray version is 5 bucks cheaper.

Depends on where you buy it from. Bestbuy currently has the hd-dvd version for $22.99 versus the $29.99 pricetag for the blu-ray version.

Sounds like for all intents and purposes, the two are a wash. Of course, the Blu-ray version is 5 bucks cheaper.

Except on the HD DVD forum where they've decided a pricing error (the HD DVD showed up with the same SKU as the SE DVD) at Best Buy that's already been corrected somehow makes it cheaper.

edit- :D to the HD DVD fanboy that posted above to prove my point.

So I guess the argument that Dolby TrueHD *has to be* as good as PCM because it is 'bit for bit' identical didn't quite fly in a real world scenario.

Actually I'd like to see DTS-HD-MA compared to PCM as well to see if the same can be said of that codec. This is just a gut feeling, but I think DTS-HD-MA will fair a little better then Dolby TrueHD did.

Of course, PCM is always preferred if there is enough space since it works on all current blu-ray players and sounds better then anything else up to this point.

Yep, just give us PCM tracks!

Yup, can't wait to play this on my PS3 :)

PCM > TrueHD :p
Not surprised at all. ;) :D

Sounds like for all intents and purposes, the two are a wash. Of course, the Blu-ray version is 5 bucks cheaper.

And reportedly has slightly better sounding audio. :)

truehd vs pcm, its really a non issue. I don't think anyone would complain about either one sounding bad.

But.. but... but. They're bit for bit identical!!!! lol!!!


Yeah...This one should be a debate that just never ends. Now if we could only hear DTS-HD Master Audio and put this codec issue to rest. Yeah right!! ;)

Sounds like for all intents and purposes, the two are a wash. Of course, the Blu-ray version is 5 bucks cheaper.

Does the HD DVD have the 85 minute documentary on the SD side or is that from a second DVD in a set for SD?

Does the HD DVD have the 85 minute documentary on the SD side or is that from a second DVD in a set for SD?

I doubt it. Superman Returns didn't have any of the regular DVD extras on its SD DVD side.

Even though TrueHD is a lossless codec, I wouldn't be surprised if the TrueHD encoders were set to do some processing by default.

Just like Blu-ray learned with the Sammy, noise reduction isn't always a good thing.

I've been saying from the beginning that PCM sounds much fuller and detailed than TrueHD. I think a lot of people are finding the same. The big holdouts seem to be people that haven't actually heard PCM before. :cool:

Except on the HD DVD forum where they've decided a pricing error (the HD DVD showed up with the same SKU as the SE DVD) at Best Buy that's already been corrected somehow makes it cheaper.

edit- :D to the HD DVD fanboy that posted above to prove my point.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203516&st=the+departed&type=product&id=1621200

Still priced at $22.99 as of this writing.

And how does pointing out a good deal on a disc make one a "fanboy"?

Yeah...This one should be a debate that just never ends. Now if we could only hear DTS-HS Master Audio and put this codec issue to rest. Yeah right!! ;)
You're forgetting there are people who think optical TOSlink sounds "better" than coax... :D

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8203516&st=the+departed&type=product&id=1621200

Still priced at $22.99 as of this writing.

And how does pointing out a good deal on a disc make one a "fanboy"?

By acting like it was the regular pricing and not a pricing error.

Just because a picked up a Fox/MGM BD for $20 because of the my 10% off and Amazon $5 off error doesn't change the fact that typically $27.95 if the best deal you'll see on those titles.

Cant wait to pick this up today and watch it tonight!

Depends on where you buy it from. Bestbuy currently has the hd-dvd version for $22.99 versus the $29.99 pricetag for the blu-ray version.

Same price for the blu ray version also:

http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Blu-ray-Leonardo-DiCaprio/dp/B000M5AJQI/sr=1-1/qid=1171394571/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6772465-0657507?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

By acting like it was the regular pricing and not a pricing error.

Just because a picked up a Fox/MGM BD for $20 because of the my 10% off and Amazon $5 off error doesn't change the fact that typically $27.95 if the best deal you'll see on those titles.

His post said "Best Buy currently has".... That doesn't sound like he's trying to make it seem like it is standard.

His post said "Best Buy currently has".... That doesn't sound like he's trying to make it seem like it is standard.

Note the part "...versus the $29.99 pricetag for the blu-ray version." The Best Buy price tag on the HD DVD version of the Departed is $34.99.

My issue with the poster he's mixing apples with oranges. If you going to compare sale prices compare sale prices. Comparing sales prices to list prices is spin.

Same price for the blu ray version also:

http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Blu-ray-Leonardo-DiCaprio/dp/B000M5AJQI/sr=1-1/qid=1171394571/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-6772465-0657507?ie=UTF8&s=dvd


Amazon a dollar more then BB's HD DVD version, also this-

Availability: In stock on February 21, 2007. Order it now. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Also plus shipping.

Now before the "Troll" word comes out, I have both formats and was going to buy the BR version based on price, but I bought the HD DVD since it was cheaper at BB.

And reportedly has slightly better sounding audio. :)

When the reviewer says it would be tough for a human to detect any difference in the two tracks, I consider them a wash.

The advantages of the Blu-ray version are the cheaper price and faster load time(especially if you have a PS3).

I already got the HD-DVD version on the way from Amazon, but if this is how WB releases are gonna be from now on, I'll probably get the Blu-ray ones instead.

Amazon a dollar more then BB's HD DVD version, also this-

Availability: In stock on February 21, 2007. Order it now. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Also plus shipping.

Now before the "Troll" word comes out, I have both formats and was going to buy the BR version based on price, but I bought the HD DVD since it was cheaper at BB.

At Best Buy I have to pay sales tax and I don't get a 10% discount. Amazon is still cheaper for me.


The following items have been shipped to you by Amazon.com:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Item Price Shipped Subtotal
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com, LLC):
1 The Departed [Blu-ray] $23.95 1 $23.95

Shipped via UPS (estimated arrival date: 15-February-2007). Tracking number: *censored*

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Subtotal: $23.95
Shipping & Handling: $0.00

Promotion Applied $-2.40

Total: $21.55

Note the part "...versus the $29.99 pricetag for the blu-ray version." The Best Buy price tag on the HD DVD version of the Departed is $34.99.

My issue with the poster he's mixing apples with oranges. If you going to compare sale prices compare sale prices. Comparing sales prices to list prices is spin.

I was just responding to the poster who said the blu-ray version was $5 cheaper. Even though $22.99 is a "sale" price, it's still cheaper than the $29.99 pricetag of the blu-ray version at bestbuy right now. i didn't know there were rules about comparing only msrp prices to each other. i just checked and the hd-dvd version is still listed as $22.99.

The review for Reservoir Dogs is hilarious.

Amazon a dollar more then BB's HD DVD version, also this-

Availability: In stock on February 21, 2007. Order it now. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Also plus shipping.

Now before the "Troll" word comes out, I have both formats and was going to buy the BR version based on price, but I bought the HD DVD since it was cheaper at BB.


Yea its a great deal. I would have bought the hd dvd myself if I havent sold the xbox.

In any case departed is worth it even without discounts.

At Best Buy I have to pay sales tax and I don't get a 10% discount. Amazon is still cheaper for me.


The following items have been shipped to you by Amazon.com:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Item Price Shipped Subtotal
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com, LLC):
1 The Departed [Blu-ray] $23.95 1 $23.95

Shipped via UPS (estimated arrival date: 15-February-2007). Tracking number: *censored*

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Subtotal: $23.95
Shipping & Handling: $0.00

Promotion Applied $-2.40

Total: $21.55


How do you get the Amazon 10% discount. I ordered it from Amazon and got no discount. :(

How do you get the Amazon 10% discount. I ordered it from Amazon and got no discount. :(

You had to but 3 HD titles in 2006 and enter a promo code. After that you would have got 10% off all of your HD purchases through 2007.

Kind of neat to see they preferred the LPCM track over the TruHD track.

"Its the exact same as TruHD. They are exact copies of the master track!!!"

Guess it isn't!

Kind of neat to see they preferred the LPCM track over the TruHD track.

"Its the exact same as TruHD. They are exact copies of the master track!!!"

Guess it isn't!

It could be. See this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=804965

There's a plausible explanation that the Toshiba players are doing a poor quality sample rate conversion.